MacDonald Places 22nd in Steeplechase on Day 2

Senior Josh MacDonald was Liberty's top performer on the second day of the 2014 NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round meet, placing 22nd in the men's 3,000-meter steeplechase quarterfinals, Friday at Hodges Stadium.

Competing in the NCAA Preliminary Round meet for the third year in a row, MacDonald set a blistering pace early on. He clocked 2:52.30 for his first 1,000 meters and led for more than half of the race.

In the end, MacDonald finished seventh in his heat and 22nd overall in the field of 48 entrants with a time of 8:53.31. The reigning Big South steeplechase champion posted the best time and the best placement among his trio of Preliminary Round appearances.

Even though he did not qualify to Eugene on Friday, MacDonald still has at least one race remaining in his collegiate track & field career. He is entered in the men's 5K along with teammate Caleb Edmonds. The race will be contested Saturday at 8:05 p.m.

Jennifer Nicholson concluded her junior season with a 46th-place finish in the women's discus Friday afternoon. The Big South discus champion's only legal mark of the day was her first attempt, which landed at 128-10.

Saturday's action will begin at noon with the men's pole vault and men's discus. Zach Davis will be the first Flame to compete on the meet's final day, starting the men's high jump at 5 p.m.